Jennifer Jasinski a James Beard finalist for Best Chef Southwest

The James Beard Foundation just released the finalists for this year's food and restaurant awards, and the list of locals has been whittled considerably since the semifinalists were announced back in February.

Then five Denver chefs made the list; now only chef Jennifer Jasinski, co-owner of Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall, remains; she's been named a finalist for Best Chef Southwest. Locals Max Mackissock of Squeaky Bean (who happens to be Jasinski's husband) and Alex Seidel of Fruition had also been semifinalists in that category.